Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

Apologies were intimated from Councillor Currie. 

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

The Minute of the previous meeting held on 3 December 2014 was approved as a true record. 

Councillor McAlpine asked the Head of Roads and Amenity Services to forward a schedule of works in respect of the planned works in Clachan Cemetery to the Ward 2 Members.  Mr Smith agreed to forward this directly.

The Clerk advised that there was no questions from the public. 

Councillor McAlpine asked whether there was anyone in place to deal with the re-erection of headstones in cemetery’s, particularly with a view to the recent spate of bad weather.  The Head of Roads and Amenity Services advised that there is no formal programme in place.  He advised that as a general rule headstones are the responsibility of the family, but in situations which are deemed unsafe or pose a danger to members of the public, action will be taken by the Council.  Further discussion was had in this regard, with Members requesting that the Area Governance Manager advise the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee of the Area Committee’s concerns and ask them to take the matter forward. 

Councillor Philand advised that he had recently attended the meeting of the Ardrishaig Community Council, where concerns had been raised in relation to the apparent lack of interest from the Council in regards to the regeneration of Ardrishaig.  Further concerns were raised by Councillor Taylor in respect of an article that had recently appeared in the Argyllshire Advertiser which suggested that the Council were “pulling back” from the Local Development Action Plan.  The Chair reminded Members of the recent presentation from Scottish Canals and the support the Area Committee had shown to the regeneration of Ardrishaig.  He also advised that both the Ardrishaig Regeneration Masterplan and the Economic Development Transformational Project for MAKI were due to come before the Committee at its next meeting in April 2015.  Councillor Philand advised that Ardrishaig Community Council were keen to have a meeting with the Chief Executive, the Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation and Councillor Ellen Morton.  The Area Governance Manager agreed to lodge the request that this meeting be set up. 

Report by Head Teacher, Catriona Hood

Catriona Hood, Head Teacher of Campbeltown Grammar School provided Members with a brief overview on the background to the new reporting format including specific reference to the changes in qualifications and the impact these have in terms of the reporting format going forward.  She asked Members to be mindful that this is still a period of transition. 

The Committee then considered a report which outlined the attendance, absence and exclusion rate, the SQA performance, school leaver destination returns and highlighted the school improvement plans going forward. 

Ms Hood paid tribute to Mr Allan Harrow, who has been a teacher with Campbeltown Grammar School for the last 40 years and has never had a day’s sickness absence.  She advised that Mr Harrow would be retiring at the end of the current school session.  

Decision

Members agreed to note the report and further agreed that the Chair would write to Mr Harrow offering thanks and congratulations for his exceptional service to the education of young people in Kintyre.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 4 February 2015, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development & Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report which outlined the roads revenue maintenance budget for the third quarter of financial year 2014/15.  It indicated a spend of 81% at the end of this quarter.  Discussion took place in relation to the footway works undertaken, with the Contracts Manager agreeing to confirm that the provision of a footpath at the Barn Brae in Inveraray has been included as part of the initial agreement on the new development and advise Councillor Taylor accordingly.  The Contracts Manager confirmed that there was still drainage works to be carried out in respect of culverts and ditches. 

Decision

Members agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 4 February 2015, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development & Infrastructure Services

The Head of Roads and Amenity Services provided Members with a brief overview of the background to the flooding issues, he advised of the Halcrow report and the site visit that had taken place prior to the beginning of the meeting. 

The Committee then considered a report which outlined remedial works currently under consideration to reduce the effect of flooding in Campbeltown and advised of the initiatives which have already been taken to reduce the impact as it was recognised that surface water flooding occurs infrequently in Campbeltown during times of extremely heavy rainfall. Stewart Clark confirmed that the possible solution for the Meadows which had been discussed at the site meeting prior to  the commencement of the Area Committee would be explored and added to the interim action plan.

Mr Hendy of the Scottish Flood Forum gave a short presentation outlining the options available to the Council to assist members of the public, while reminding them that the onus for the protection of property during flooding remains with the home owner.

Discussion was had in relation to the possibility of providing flood gates for the John Street area of Campbeltown, with Members enquiring whether it would be possible to introduce a subsidised scheme.  The Head of Roads and Amenity Services agreed to forward to Members details of the scheme adopted by Perth and Kinross Council  and to include this information in the report which will be considered by the April meeting of   the Environmental Development and Infrastructure Committee .

. 

Decision

1.    Members agreed to note the contents of the report; and

2.    Requested that an update on progress of this issue be brought to each MAKI business meeting and Area Committee.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 4 February 2015, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development & Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report which outlined the financial difficulties faced by Long & Winding Way Ltd in attempts to continue to maintain the Kintyre Way, which is about to reopen following significant improvements.  Members noted that the path is one of 25 other long distance paths marketed internationally as one of ‘Scotland’s Great Trails’. 

Decision

1.  Members agreed to note the contents of the report; and in light of points detailed at 3.1 of the report
2. Agreed to recommend to the Policy and Resources Committee on 5 February 2015 as a matter of urgency, given the Council’s commitment through the SOA to promote accessibility to outdoor environments and green spaces, that  consideration is given to the provision of bridge funding from Council reserves to the Long & Winding Way Ltd for a period of 2 years, to enable them to continue to operate after 1 May 2015

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 4 February 2015, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Development & Infrastructure Services

The Committee considered a report highlighting the current position in the MAKI area, including a proposal for future toilet provision in Campbeltown which enhances the number and quality of available facilities, including the proposal for closure of Bolgam Street toilets, the upgrade of Pensioners Row toilets and potential partnerships. 

Motion

That Members agree before any decision is taken regarding the future of Bolgam Street public toilets that adequate alternative provision is in place to meet the needs of the Campbeltown community including the upgrade of the Pensioners Row and Aqualibrium facilities.  Further to this that a firm agreement is in place with local businesses regarding proposed comfort schemes. 

Moved by Councillor Kelly, seconded by Councillor McAlpine.

Amendment

That Members agree the recommendations at paragraph 3.1 of the submitted report, and further agree that before any decision is implemented regarding the future of Bolgam Street toilets that adequate alternative provision is in place to meet the needs of the Campbeltown community and that the Council commit to the upgrade of the Pensioners Row facilities as soon as practicable.  Further to this that a firm agreement is in place with local businesses regarding proposed comfort schemes.

Moved by Councillor Colville, seconded by Councillor MacMillan.

The requisite number of Members required the vote to be taken by calling the role, and Members voted as follows:-

Motion                        Amendment

Councillor Armour       Councillor Colville      

Councillor Horn           Councillor MacMillan

Councillor Kelly

Councillor McAlpine

Councillor Philand

Councillor Taylor

Decision

The Motion was carried by 6 votes to 2 and the Area Committee resolved accordingly.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 4 February 2015, submitted.)

Report by Area Governance Manager

The Committee considered a report outlining the recent review of the governance arrangements for the Community Planning Group. 

Decision

1.    Members agreed to note the report; and

2.    That the Area Governance Manager write to Councillor Currie to obtain his consent to be the Ward 2 elected representative for MAKI on the Community Planning Group. 

(Ref:  Report by Community Governance Manager, dated 4 February 2015, submitted.)

The Committee considered the Item Tracker.  Having been advised of the request from the Area Manager for MAKI, Members agreed that item 5 (Older People’s Care at Home Service Update) be amended to reflect Adult Care as an entirety with the first report being presented at the Business Day meeting on 4 March 2015.  Members also requested that an update report from the Community Health Partnership (CHP) be brought to the next meeting of the Area Committee in April 2015 in relation to item 25 on the tracker (Renal Dialysis and obstetric scanning services – issues).  Members further requested that the Primary Schools Performance and Attainment Report, scheduled for June be brought to the April Area Committee meeting if possible.

Decision

Members agreed to note the Item Tracker.

(Ref:  Item Tracker, dated 4 February 2015, submitted.)